SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Two regulators Monday rescued themselves from debate on an effort to repeal tough new anti-pollution rules after environmentalists raised questions about their impartiality.

State Environmental Improvement Board members Greg Fulfer of Jal and James Casciano of Albuquerque said they believed they could be fair and impartial but decided to step down from the case to maintain the integrity of the seven-member board and head off any public perception of bias.